The Baltic Sea faces numerous human-induced challenges, affecting the seals that inhabit it, says Laura Stukonytė, a marine biologist who has recently joined The Explorers Club, a renowned international society of researchers and adventurers. Through her work, she aims to understand the impact of climate change and marine pollution on grey seals while inspiring people to take action to protect the ocean.
Growing up in Vilnius, Stukonytė was fascinated by the ocean and dreamed of helping animals, which led her to pursue a career in marine biology. This summer, the Vilnius University doctoral candidate participated in the prestigious Blue Generation programme in the United States, designed for early-career ocean professionals. The initiative is organised by The Explorers Club, which counts among its members the Lithuanian-born anthropologist Birutė Galdikas, as well as the first people to reach the poles, summit Everest, and travel to the Moon.
Recently, Stukonytė was officially invited to join the club.
In an interview, she discussed seal behaviour and character, environmental challenges facing the Baltic Sea, and how individuals can contribute to its protection.
What inspired your fascination with the sea and marine life?
From an early age, I knew I wanted to work with nature – for the sake of nature itself. I loved spending time outdoors. Growing up in Vilnius, far from the sea, I was captivated by documentaries, especially stories from the underwater world, which seemed so mysterious. The animals there are adapted to an environment completely different from ours, and I wanted to understand them better. I also became aware of the threats they face due to human activities, which sparked empathy and a desire to help.
You are currently studying grey seals. Could you tell us more about your recent expedition to Estonia?
The expedition is part of my doctoral research. I am investigating how female grey seals choose breeding sites – they breed in very specific locations in the Baltic Sea, but it is unclear why. I also want to understand how changing environmental conditions affect female behaviour and reproductive systems, which ultimately influences population growth. I am also examining whether there are shifts in the timing of the breeding season.
Historically, grey seals breed on sea ice, with the season coinciding with maximum ice coverage, typically in February. But sea ice is declining, and some winters see virtually no ice. This forces females to give birth on land instead.
Terrestrial breeding sites are limited, as seals need remote areas away from human disturbance. In Estonia, small uninhabited islets serve as temporary breeding grounds, but the high density increases disease risk and the chance of pups becoming separated from their mothers.
Research shows pups born on land have higher mortality and lower body mass, which is crucial for survival. These conditions likely affect reproductive success, which I aim to study in detail.
What has surprised you most in your research?
Observing the behavioural diversity among mother seals has been striking. Although pups are nursed for only 18 days, mothers show different maternal strategies. Some spend much time with their pups, others more with themselves. There are even instances of a mother adopting and raising an unrelated pup, which is very rare for grey seals.
How do you identify individual female seals?
Seals have spotted coats, unique to each animal like fingerprints. By photographing the sides of the females and studying these patterns over time, I can recognise individuals and track whether they return to the same sites or associate with particular other mothers. There are many questions about Baltic seals that remain largely unexplored.
You participated in the Blue Generation programme in New York. What did you gain from it?
The programme, run by The Explorers Club, brought together 25 young ocean professionals from around the world to visit the headquarters in New York. We learned about critical ocean issues, technologies, global ocean policies, and met fellow researchers. It was inspiring to connect with members who have achieved extraordinary feats, motivating us to pursue ambitious goals and discoveries.
On social media, you mentioned meeting the marine biologist Sylvia Earle, that you called an ocean rock star. Who else inspires you?
Sylvia Earle is a major inspiration, but I also admire figures outside the ocean field, such as the recently passed away Jane Goodall, the renowned primatologist who dedicated her life to studying chimpanzees and educating people about conservation.
For me, this is particularly important, which is why I also try to engage in public outreach and speak as much as I can about ocean-related issues. I’m also proud that we have a renowned scientist of Lithuanian descent, Birutė Galdikas. She is a world-famous researcher who raises awareness about the importance of protecting orangutans and forests. I believe such people are truly inspiring –role models for anyone involved in nature research and conservation.
You co-founded Po bangom, an initiative educating the public about the ocean. Have you noticed growing interest in marine issues in Lithuania?
I started Po bangom with peers to fill a gap in ocean communication in Lithuania, where maritime identity is not widespread. Although our social media activity has slowed due to doctoral work, we continue collaborating with scientists at Klaipėda University and supporting communication about their research. Interest is growing, showing the importance of talking about these topics.
What measures are most needed to improve the health of the Baltic Sea?
The Baltic faces major problems caused by humans, including climate change and various types of pollution. So-called dead zones now cover vast areas – larger than Lithuania itself. Combating these issues requires strict policies and effective measures to reduce pollution, especially nutrient runoff from agriculture.
Some farmers follow responsible practices, but broader enforcement is needed. Scandinavian countries show faster progress, and although data published a few years ago suggest that organic pollution in Lithuania has been slowly declining, it still falls far short of the levels set out in international agreements concerning the Baltic Sea. Lithuania, clearly, still has work to do, including stronger environmental laws rather than voluntary guidelines. This ensures that measures do not remain mere recommendations that some choose to follow – and others ignore.
What advice would you give someone wanting to protect the sea but unsure where to start?
First, develop awareness. Everyone can contribute, even far from the coast. Responsible behaviour is key: what we pour into drains eventually reaches the sea, so hazardous substances must be disposed of properly. All the small steps that encourage people to live in a more environmentally friendly way also contribute to protecting the marine environment.
Individual actions matter, but inspiring others amplifies the impact. Civic engagement is also crucial: vote for leaders who prioritise environmental issues, as political choices determine meaningful change. Choosing to stay apolitical and not vote because “no one seems right” is the worst decision of all. Individually, we can do little – but by voting for those who can drive change, we can achieve far stronger and longer-lasting results.
